USASTRATCOM

This blog was created for USASTRATCOM Long Lines Battalion Army personnel who served in Taiwan during the 1965-72 time frame. Specifically, those who lived and worked in and around Taipei are the target. If you worked at the Grass Mountain or Gold Mountain facilities or anywhere in downtown Taipei, we would like to hear from you. All are welcome to visit and contribute to this blog. Your comments and pictures are encouraged.

Friday, August 24, 2012

The Church Where Two Alleys Meet

Kent Mathieu, who runs the Taipei Air Station blog has to be thanked twice for this post.

First, on one of his walking tours of Taipei, Kent began on the northeast corner of the "Golden Intersection" of Chung Shan and Min Chuan Roads and proceeded north toward the Florida Bakery.

Very shortly before walking, he panned around and showed what remained of the King's Hotel and 77 Club.

To us old connoisseurs of entertainment and lodging, this shot alone should awaken many memories.

Then, Kent began walking northward on the east side of Chung Shan. Gradually, he turned right and took a shot down an alley. To see what he saw, click HERE.

I had seen this church in 1968-69 and remembered it as being Protestant and not as well-maintained as this one appeared.

One last thing about the video above is the approach to the Florida Bakery. From 1965-72, those little shops were set back from the street and were covered.

Directly next to the bakery were the two beacons of neon. They were the OK and Suzie Wong Bars.

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Photo courtesy of Kent Mathieu

Fortunately, Kent had recently been to Taipei. This picture of a map is near the MRT entrance on MinQuan West Road.

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Photo courtesy of Kent Mathieu

The picture here shows the modern intersection of Zhongshan North Road and MinQuan East Road. The church is circled in blue.

The two alleys leading to the church are shown in yellow.

The church is visible down the alley which is off Chung Shan North Road.

Here is the view of the church as the alley dead ends near its front gate.

Photo courtesy of Kent Mathieu

This plaque explains the history of what is now the True Light Gospel Church.

Turning north off MinQuan East Road takes us down to the intersection.